3 John 1:6
New International Version
They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.

New Living Translation
They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.

English Standard Version
who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

Berean Standard Bible
They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Berean Literal Bible
who testified of your love before the church, whom you will do well having set forward worthily of God.

King James Bible
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

New King James Version
who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,

New American Standard Bible
and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

NASB 1995
and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

NASB 1977
and they bear witness to your love before the church; and you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
and they bore witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Amplified Bible
and they have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to [assist them and] send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Christian Standard Bible
They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They have testified to your love in front of the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

American Standard Version
who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

Contemporary English Version
They have told the church about your love. They say you were good enough to welcome them and to send them on their mission in a way God's servants deserve.

English Revised Version
who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These believers have told the congregation about your love. You will do well to support them on their trip in a way that proves you belong to God.

Good News Translation
They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God.

International Standard Version
They have testified before the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Majority Standard Bible
They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

NET Bible
They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

New Heart English Bible
They have testified about your love before the church. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

Webster's Bible Translation
Who have borne testimony of thy charity before the church: whom if thou shalt bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou wilt do well:

Weymouth New Testament
They have testified, in the presence of the Church, to your love; and you will do well to help them on their journey in a manner worthy of your fellowship with God.

World English Bible
They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who testified of your love before an assembly, whom you will do well, having sent forward worthily of God,

Berean Literal Bible
who testified of your love before the church, whom you will do well having set forward worthily of God.

Young's Literal Translation
who did testify of thy love before an assembly, whom thou wilt do well, having sent forward worthily of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who testified to thy love before the church: thou shalt do well, having sent them forward worthily of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church: whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would to well to lead these ones worthily to God.

New American Bible
they have testified to your love before the church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.

New Revised Standard Version
they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who have borne witness concerning your love before the whole church: for the good things which you have done for them by supplying their needs, as is pleasing to God,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Those who have testified of your love before all the churches. You did well when you gave them necessities, as is becoming to God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who have testified to your love before the church: if you conduct these on their journey, in a manner worthy of God, you will do well:

Godbey New Testament
who have witnessed to thy divine love before the church: whom you will do well, having sent forth worthily of God.

Haweis New Testament
who have borne testimony to thy love before the church; to whom thou wilt perform a good act of service in forwarding them on their journey, in a manner worthy of God.

Mace New Testament
they have made a publick declaration of your charity, and you will do well to accompany them in the most effectual manner.

Weymouth New Testament
They have testified, in the presence of the Church, to your love; and you will do well to help them on their journey in a manner worthy of your fellowship with God.

Worrell New Testament
who testified to your love before the assembly; whom sending forward worthily of God, you will do well;

Worsley New Testament
who have borne witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well in forwarding, as is worthy of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gaius Commended for His Hospitality
5Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. 6They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:40-42
He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. / Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Philippians 4:14-19
Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. / And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. ...

Acts 16:15
And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. / I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ...

2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...

2 John 1:10-11
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Luke 10:5-7
Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Colossians 4:10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Titus 3:13-14
Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. / And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Genesis 18:1-8
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Which have borne witness of your charity before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well:

have borne witness of thy charity.

3 John 1:12
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Philemon 1:5-7
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; …

whom.

Acts 15:3
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 21:5
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Romans 15:24
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

after a godly sort.

1 Thessalonians 2:12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

do well.

Genesis 4:7
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Jonah 4:4
Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

Matthew 25:21-23
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord…

Jump to Previous
Assembly Befits Borne Cared Charity Church Fellowship Forward Godly God's Help Journey Love Manner Presence Right Servants Service Setting Sort Testified Testify Testimony Wilt Witness Witnessed Worthily Worthy
Jump to Next
Assembly Befits Borne Cared Charity Church Fellowship Forward Godly God's Help Journey Love Manner Presence Right Servants Service Setting Sort Testified Testify Testimony Wilt Witness Witnessed Worthily Worthy
3 John 1
1. He commends Gaius for his piety,
5. and hospitality,
7. to true preachers;
9. complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;
11. whose evil example is not to be followed;
12. and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.














They have testified
The phrase "They have testified" indicates a public declaration or witness. In the Greek, the word "testified" is "ἐμαρτύρησαν" (emarturēsan), which is derived from "martureō," meaning to bear witness or give evidence. This suggests that the actions of the recipient of the letter were so evident and impactful that others felt compelled to speak about them. In the early church, testimony was a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel, as it provided personal accounts of God's work. This highlights the importance of living a life that others can testify about, reflecting Christ's love and truth.

to your love
The word "love" here is translated from the Greek "ἀγάπη" (agapē), which is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. This is the same love that God shows to humanity and that Christians are called to emulate. The testimony of love indicates that the recipient's actions were not just dutiful but were motivated by genuine care and concern for others. In the context of the early church, such love was crucial for unity and growth, serving as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

before the church
The term "church" in Greek is "ἐκκλησία" (ekklēsia), which originally referred to a gathering or assembly of people. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the community of believers. The phrase "before the church" suggests that the testimony of love was not a private matter but was recognized and affirmed by the broader Christian community. This public acknowledgment underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith, where individual actions contribute to the collective witness of the church.

You will do well
This phrase is an encouragement and a gentle exhortation. In Greek, it is "καλῶς ποιήσεις" (kalōs poiēseis), which can be understood as "you will act nobly" or "you will do a good thing." It implies that the proposed action is not only beneficial but also aligns with moral and spiritual excellence. This encouragement reflects the apostolic authority and pastoral care of the writer, guiding the recipient towards actions that honor God and support the mission of the church.

to send them on their way
The act of sending someone on their way, in Greek "προπέμψας" (propempsas), involves more than just a farewell. It includes providing for their needs and ensuring they are equipped for their journey. In the context of the early church, this often meant supporting itinerant preachers and missionaries. This phrase highlights the importance of hospitality and generosity in the Christian life, recognizing that supporting those who spread the Gospel is a vital part of the church's mission.

in a manner worthy of God
The phrase "worthy of God" is a high standard, indicating that the actions should reflect God's character and honor Him. In Greek, "ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ" (axiōs tou Theou) suggests actions that are fitting or appropriate for someone who represents God. This sets a divine benchmark for Christian conduct, reminding believers that their actions should mirror the holiness, love, and righteousness of God. It calls for a life of integrity and devotion, where every action is an act of worship and testimony to God's greatness.

Ver. 6. - Who bare witness to thy love before the Church. The thoroughly Greek word ἐκκλησία (which, however, had received a number of Jewish associations through its frequent use in the Septuagint)is used by St. John nowhere but in this Epistle. This witness of the brethren before the Church respecting the good deeds done to them is a type and earnest of the witness of Christ at the day of judgment: "I was a stranger, and ye took me in... Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me." Whom thou wilt do well to forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God. No higher standard could well be set. It reminds us of "perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Gains is to treat them as remembering the Divine declaration, "He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me" (John 13:20). This coincidence, consciously or unconsciously made, between the Gospel and Third Epistle, is lost in the rather colourless rendering in the Authorized Version, "after a godly sort."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[They]
οἳ (hoi)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

have testified
ἐμαρτύρησάν (emartyrēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

to
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

[the] church
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

about your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

love.
ἀγάπῃ (agapē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

You will do
ποιήσεις (poiēseis)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

well
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

to send them on their way
προπέμψας (propempsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4311: To send forward, accompany, equip for a journey. From pro and pempo; to send forward, i.e. Escort or aid in travel.

in a manner worthy
ἀξίως (axiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 516: Worthily, in a manner worthy of. Adverb from axios; appropriately.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: 3 John 1:6 They have testified about your love before (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo)
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